Migrants could help fight driver shortage
In a virtual debate, representatives of the transport industry suggested that one way to ease the big driver shortages in the European Union would be to attract a more diverse workforce including young people, women and migrants.
Companies such as Transports Main Forte in France and Bentvelzen in the Netherlands have achieved good results in training and assisting non-EU migrants to become professional drivers.
The examples presented in the debate however also highlighted major problems, such as recognition of licences obtained in third countries, high costs of entering the profession, and language and cultural barriers. Nevertheless, the IRU concluded that the positive examples and the political will shown at the event make the industry hopeful that solutions will be found. (ben)